Objections Related to Islam in Padri Sultan Muhammad Paul's Autobiography "Mein Maseehi Kyun Ho Gaya": A Critical Review

Abstract

Human nature often exhibits a proclivity towards greed, prompting individuals to pursue their self-interest and sometimes fostering ingratitude towards the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah Ta'ala. Padri Sultan Muhammad Paul, a writer among Muslim scholars in the Indian subcontinent, was a figure marked by avarice and a somewhat feeble intellect. The subcontinent historically experienced religious harmony among diverse faiths and their adherents. However, an unfortunate era marked by the erosion of religious tolerance commenced with the arrival of the British colonial rulers. The British administration strategically fanned the flames of Muslim-Christian religious discord to consolidate their political control in India. They facilitated the production, dissemination, and promotion of contentious religious literature aimed at disparaging Islam and its followers, often with the assistance of Christian clergy. An integral component of this religious literature consists of autobiographies of individuals who converted to Christianity. These narratives provide invaluable insights into religious beliefs, rituals, ethical values, economic structures, social dynamics, politics, and various facets of life. This reservoir of religious literature offers an opportunity for impartial and unbiased religious studies and analysis, serving as a valuable resource for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different faiths. Padri Sultan Muhammad Paul's autobiography, titled "Mein Maseehi Kyun Ho Gaya," holds particular significance within this context. Paul, under the influence of Christian priests, underwent a conversion experience and diligently endeavored to spread his newfound beliefs and attain recognition. In this autobiography, the author employs a skillful narrative approach to elucidate the reasons and motivations behind his conversion from Islam to Christianity, albeit with a clear intent to misguide Muslims. This research article is presented with the objective of conducting an impartial examination of the content contained in this book, to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.